Non-Park Disney Vacation Kick-off Suggestion

[quest4dl]

I have an ADR for our arrival evening at Ohana but I keep reading recent bad reviews - doesn't sound like a good way to start off a vacation though it's always been a family favourite.

Any other non-park dinner suggestions for our first dinner? Chef Mickey's used to be a fave also but now the kids are older and we are not buffet fans so it doesn't seem as desireable. Plan to do The Wave later in the week - wanted something with a festive air for our first night dinner. We are staying at Wilderness Villas and will likely be using Disney transportation. Oh- and we are a multi-generational party of 7!

Considered Artist Point (expensive and more sedate) and Whispering Canyon (bbq is not our first choice for a meal). California Grill - ADR later in the week for bro's bday.

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

'Ohana for dinner is a must do for us, the negative review don't impact that. We find it to be one of the more enjoyable meals (and overall experiences) of our trip every year.

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

Another option is the Pepper Market at Coronado Springs. It's a hybrid between a counter and table-service, but should have something that everyone in your party will enjoy. We ensure that we hit it every trip for a late lunch on a night that we don't plan to have a big dinner.

 

[Madi's Mom]

Try the Spirit of Aloha dinner show at Poly or Hoop De Doo Review.

 

[branv]

I second the Hoop-de-doo Review at FW or just a counter service meal with a visit to the camfire and movie at FW.

If it were me, I'd just go for a yummy meal at Kona, then head down to the Poly beach to see the water parade and the fireworks. We did this our very first trip together, and it was great

 

[hanutedmansionmomma]

We love 'Ohana!

We go to Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney the first night we arrive, then wander around the shops and get in the spirit.

 

[quest4dl]

Seems most Disney restaurants are inconsistent so we'll likely stick with Ohana and hope for the best. Thinking of doing the Downtown Disney thing on our last day.

 

[stitchlover]

We always hit Downtown Disney for dinner on our arrival day. It allows everyone to get set up for pin trading, purchase autograph books, etc. This year we are going to Wolfgang Puck Cafe for dinner. We usually eat at the express but this year we are going to the main restaurant.